Australia Day 2018 in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Australia Day is for all Australians and our friends, no matter where our personal stories began. It offers a time to reflect on being Australian, celebrate contemporary Australia no matter where we are living and recognise our history. On Friday 26 January, some of our large Australian community in Chiang Mai got out to celebrate Australia Day. It’s was a chance to come together, socialise and enjoy – a bit of Australia in Thailand. The Consulate wanted to participate and promote Australia Day activity in Chiang Mai so I went along, popping into 3 events to have fun and enjoy the Day.

Australian Consulate Chiangmai

Chiang Mai Expat Club

The general meeting at Le Meridien Hotel happened to be, unusually, on Friday so this was a chance for the Consulate to wish those attending a happy Australia Day. To add to the good wishes I was able to undertake a lucky draw for an Australiana gift prize thanks to our Embassy.

Australia Day explained to Chiangmai Expat Club members & lucky prize draw

Their prize involved some delicious Lamingtons I was able to source locally, an Aboriginal painting bone china plate, Aus music CD, kangaroo scarf, mini boomerang, embassy calendar & Aus/Thai flag pin. Given the large and diverse background of CEC members it was fantastic that an Aussie member was the winner. Congratulations.

Australia Day at Downunder Pub

From their location on Loi Kroh Road the fun happened from 10.30am until late. After the Expat Club event I went along with some of the members for an Aussie lunch at the Downunder. They had a sausage BBQ going as well as classic Aussie meat pies. After some food and chatting I wondered around to offer Aussies & their friends some Lamingtons that I had picked up from Ko – Jo Bakery. Feedback was they were super good Lamo’s! Thanks to Torrie from Downunder Pub for sharing Australia Day in Chiang Mai.

Sharing some Lamingtons at the Downunder Pub

Australia Day at Yummy Pizza Restaurant,

This was an evening dinner and entertainment event on the Canal Road, heading towards Hangdong. From 6pm onward there were heaps of Australians and their friends in attendance. Everybody was welcome and they came along to have a bit of a laugh the Australian way! It was a great Aussie Day celebration.

They offered an Aussie barbecue with snags, sausage rolls, steaks, big aussie burgers & meat pies as well as their normal menu. There was Aussie wine and other cold ones that were enjoyed by the crowd. To entertain guests there was some good old live classic Aussie music belted out by Tony – looking “somewhat like Crocodile Dundee”?! This was followed by music from a local band.

Joining in the fun

Hon Con & Tony welcoming

Hon Con chatting with guests

enjoying the night

Tony belting out the tunes

some of the guests

The band at play

enjoying the evening

Khun Ace helped to decorate

I was able to sponsor 4 lucky prize draws to add some excitement to the celebration. It provided me the opportunity to meet and greet all the people who came on the night when giving out the lucky draw tickets. There were some great conversations had and stories told. Great Australian community networking opportunity.

Making the lucky draw

Grand prize winner – Thanks Rimping

Second Prize winner – Thanks Elephant Parade

Runners up – Australiana from the Embassy

Thanks to our Friends of Australia supporters for so graciously donating prizes: